Caoimhin Kelleher STUNS Ireland fans in man of the match display | OneFootball

Caoimhin Kelleher has risen to the plate when Liverpool most needed him this season - but his heroic goalkeeping antics haven't been limited to club level.

The 25-year-old has been a formidable force between the sticks for the Reds, disproving any doubters to fill the void left by Alisson when the Brazilian was struck with a hamstring injury.

And keeping with his fine form to impress again, Kelleher helped the Republic of Ireland to an impressive draw against Belgium on Saturday evening.

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Exuding confidence, he wowed fans early on at the Aviva Stadium, Cruyff turning Lois Openda to send fans into raptures.

At that point in the game, he had a stat to his name that not many goalkeepers get to boast - he'd completed the most dribbles of anyone on the pitch with his one.

It set the tone for an assured display from the Reds shot-stopper, using the ball well with his feet throughout the contest.

And while he didn't have much to do for the first 45 minutes, he would act as Ireland's saviour in the second-half - producing an excellent save to deny Thomas Meunier in the 75th minute.

Eyes on number one

Kelleher was delighted to make such a vital contribution to allow his side to come away from the contest with a result - and as he looks to keep up his strong performances, he's hopeful he can edge Gavin Bazunu and become Ireland's permanent number one.

"It’s split second stuff," Kelleher told Virgin Media Ireland on the stop. "It’s a good save, I was happy to help the team.

"I wasn’t overly busy, we defended really well and kept the chances to a minimum, which is a big positive for us.

"I thought we started really well and continued on and created chances, first half I thought we were dominant, also a bit at the end there trying to get a good result and keep a clean sheet.

"I don’t know what the plan is going forward but I want to play as many games as I can and cement my place."

Of course, Kelleher could be back at the Aviva Stadium in May, this time in club colours, as Liverpool set their sights on a Europa League final in Dublin.

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